HARDWARE Basics for Owners of Old Houses
Here’s our curated selection of information about traditional hardware—everything from early American rat-tail hinges to hammered copper bail pulls and mid-century chrome. Find information on salvage and repair, too!
Material comes from Old-House Journal, Old-House Interiors, and Arts & Crafts Homes magazines, and includes stories by contributors and editors.
Hardware is the jewelry in a room—and, in its period precedent, material, and finish, hardware defines a style. You can mix and match, of course, as most old houses have hardware from various periods, both the originals and changes that came later. You can still buy antique and vintage hardware, as new-old stock (never used) or salvaged and refinished.
The reproduction market is lively, offering iron goods from the forge … hammered work reminiscent of Dirk Van Erp and the metal shops of Stickley and the Roycrofters … proto-Modern designs inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh … and influences from French to Japanese. Hardware is produced in iron and steel, brass, copper, and bronze (not to mention ceramics and glass), with patina-rich finishes or in a high polish.
sponsored by Acorn Manufacturing
Suppliers: A comprehensive list of hardware companies
Suppliers: A directory of Arts & Crafts hardware makers
Arts & Crafts Homes and the Revival covers both the original movement and the ongoing revival, providing insight for restoration, kitchen renovation, updates, and new construction. Find sources for kitchen and bath, carpet, fine furniture and pottery, millwork, roofing, doors and windows, flooring, hardware and lighting. The Annual Resource Guide, with enhanced editorial chapters and beautiful photography, helps Arts & Crafts aficionados find the artisans and products to help them build, renovate, and decorate their bungalow, Craftsman, Prairie, Tudor Revival, or Arts & Crafts Revival home.
